The prosecution is seeking nine years in prison for a man accused of raping a young woman with disabilities in Son Servera. The trial was held yesterday at the Provincial Court of Palma and has been adjourned for sentencing.
The Provincial Court of Palma hosted the trial yesterday against a man accused of sexually assaulting a young woman with disabilities in Son Servera. The public prosecutor is requesting a sentence of nine years in prison and compensation of 20,000 euros for the victim.
The events, which occurred in April 2020
According to the prosecution's account, the events date back to 30 April 2020. The accused contacted the young woman through Instagram and, after several conversations, arranged to meet her at his home in Son Servera.
Once there, he allegedly forced her to enter the garage and subjected her to groping. The young woman told him she did not want to have sexual relations and begged him to let her go. In response to her refusal, the man threatened her with a knife, according to the accusation.
The victim, who has a disability, was in a situation of special vulnerability. The accused, taking advantage of her state of panic, raped her, according to the prosecution.
The accused denies the charges
During the hearing, the defendant categorically denied the charges. He acknowledged that he knew the girl but claimed that he never was with her in the garage and that he never forced her to have sexual relations.
His defence lawyer requested acquittal and highlighted that the young woman's account contains contradictions. Furthermore, she pointed out that there is no biological evidence linking the accused to the events.
A case that affects the community
The incident has shocked the residents of Son Servera, a municipality in the Llevant i Migjorn region. The young woman, who lives in the area, has received support from her family and from associations that help victims of sexual violence.
The prosecution believes that the accused committed a crime of sexual assault with intimidation, aggravated by the victim's disability. The case has been adjourned for sentencing, and the court is expected to issue its ruling in the coming weeks.
This trial highlights the importance of protecting people with disabilities, who are often victims of sexual crimes in vulnerable situations. Associations on the island have called for more resources to prevent these cases and support victims.
